Feelings are the lens through which people view the world, and the ability to be aware of and direct one’s feelings helps to create balance in life. Coping with challenges and behaving in trustworthy and respectful ways signal emotional wellness, attributes that can be encouraged through peer counseling, stress management, humor/laughter and personal histories.
September 2025
Cornhole
Monday, September 1, 3:30 PM
Lawn Outside the Café
Celebrate Labor Day with some cornhole fun outside the Café patio! All skill levels are welcome. Come toss some bags or just hang out and cheer others on.
Culture & Belonging Committee Meeting
Wednesday, September 3, 2 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Watch Battery Replacement Service
Thursday, September 4, 9:30 to 10:30 AM
Park Gables Game Room
Ken Layman will be available to replace watch batteries. Please bring $7 for the cost of the battery and installation.
Piano Music with Kathleen Haddad
Thursday, September 4, 3 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Join Kathleen Haddad, Heritage Haven resident, for an informal event where she will play the piano and take requests. You may sing along or just come and listen. Kathleen can play favorite oldies or hymns. Don’t miss the music and fun!
Writing Workshop with Sandra Reisinger
Saturdays, September 6 & 20, 9:30 to 11:30 AM
Heritage Haven Conference Room
Sandra Reisinger, VMRC’s own artist-in-residence, is holding this series of six writing workshops for residents to hone their writing and storytelling skills. Meetings are every other Saturday through September 20.
This year’s national theme is “Ageless Adventure.”
There will be a variety of programs for our Assisted Living residents to enjoy throughout the week but to celebrate campus-wide we are having a theme for each day. We encourage all residents and staff to celebrate with us!
Monday: Italy Day - Wear Red, White or Green
Tuesday: Safari Day - Wear Animal Print, Khaki/Green
Wednesday: Tropical Day - Wear Your Hawaiian Shirt or Best Island Apparel
Thursday: Fishing Day - Wear Blue or Fishing Attire
Friday: Life is an Adventure - Dress for Your Favorite Adventure
Trivia with Dr. Kyle
Monday, September 8, 3:30 PM
Main Street Café
Find some teammates and put on your thinking caps to compete for the title of VMRC trivia champion. This month’s theme is “Back to School.”
VMRC Veterans Club Meeting
Friday, September 12, 10 AM
Park Gables Game Room
Individual Ticket: $8/$10 at the door Purchase at the Wellness Center
The Black Fiddlers of Monticello Presented by David McCormick
Friday, September 12 / Detwiler Auditorium
6:30 PM - Refreshments, 7:00 PM - Event
David McCormick, Executive Director of Early Music America and co-founder of Alkemie, will share insights from his research on Monticello’s vibrant black fiddling tradition and perform pieces he discovered. This lecture reflects his work as a 2020 Fellow of the International Center for Jefferson Studies.
Hot Air Balloon Walk Through and Presentation
Saturday, September 13, 11 AM
Field Behind Park Gables
Join us as we wrap up celebrating Assisted Living Week with a truly unique event. You will have the opportunity to step inside a hot air balloon and experience what it is like to be inside the balloon’s envelope. You will also enjoy an engaging presentation on how hot air balloons work along with the history of Star Ballooning; a familyowned business based in Bridgewater, Virginia. Light refreshments will be served.
Parkinson’s Support Group
Monday, September 15, 2 PM
Park Gables Game Room
Campfire & Friends Event
Monday, September 15, 6 to 7:15 PM
Main Street Café Patio
Gather with friends and neighbors around the campfire, roast marshmallows over the fire, and create delicious s’mores. Enjoy a relaxing evening and unwind at this free event!
Art Makers Tuesdays
Tuesday, September 16, 3 PM
Heritage Haven Activity Room 2A
Valley Village Movie - Casablanca(1942)
Thursday, September 18, 2 PM
Park Place Multipurpose Room
Come watch Casablanca (1942), the iconic film that captured hearts for decades. This is a classic romance that is packed with unforgettable characters, dramatic twists and timeless moments.
EMU Wind Ensemble Open Rehearsal
Monday, September 22, 5:15 to 6:30 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
This is an open dress rehearsal in preparation for the ensemble’s concert at EMU a few days later. This is an informal event, part rehearsal and part performance. Everyone is welcome to come and go as they please.
A New Resident-led Opportunity
Tuesday, September 23 / 6:30 PM / Park Place Multipurpose Room
Tim Seidel, Associate Professor of Community & International Development at Eastern Mennonite University
Tim will give a presentation on his work with Mennonite Action. Mennonite Action is a movement for collective nonviolent public action to demand a ceasefire and peace in the Middle East.
The Contemporary Issues resident committee is Marty Savanick, Joe Lapp and Tim Jost. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Arts with a Pulse: Creative Movement with Alaina Pfeiffer
Thursday, September 25, 10 AM
Gehman Education Room
Join our newest Arts with a Pulse instructor, Alaina Pfeiffer, as she leads us in a cathartic and engaging creative movement session, incorporating elements of tap dance. All skill levels and abilities are welcome!
Vocal Chords Concert
Friday, September 26, 2 PM
Strite Auditorium
The Vocal Chords are a male vocal octet whose repertoire consists of a variety of music genres from gospel favorites to contemporary and popular compositions. Come enjoy an uplifting afternoon of music.
Creation Care Club Meeting
Wednesday, September 24, 1 PM
Heritage Haven Conference Room
EMS Intergenerational Partnership
Monday, September 29, 10:30 AM
Strite Auditorium
Join us for an intergenerational session with 4th Grade Peacebuilding EMS students. We are excited to bring together two generations for a joyful and engaging time. Light snacks and refreshments available. Sign up is required on K4.
Culture and Belonging Conversation
Tuesday, September 30, 2 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
This month’s meeting features Park Village resident Don Albright. Don’s topic will be “My Life in Texas and the Foreign Service with My Wife From the Soviet Union.” Light refreshments will be served.
September 12 /
Get ready for the VMRC All-Campus Dog Show, where residents and staff will team up with their furry friends, dressed for their favorite adventure. This year’s theme is Adventure with Your Best Bud. Celebrate Assisted Living Week as we showcase wagging tails and plenty of smiles. Don’t miss this delightful event filled with charm and community spirit because dogs are our best adventuring buddies!
Participants are asked to dress for an adventure. If interested in registering, please find a form on K4 or at a front desk. All forms can be turned into the box outside of Abigail Cave’s door.
Mexican Train 5 Crown Dominos
Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Park Gables Game Room
Village Coffee Hour
Wednesdays, 9 AM
Village Hall
See K4 for specific topics.
Knitting & Crochet Group - Project Linus
Wednesdays, 10 AM
Park Gables 3rd Floor Lounge
Spades
Wednesdays, 4 to 5 PM
Park Gables Game Room
Intergenerational Choir Rehearsals
Thursdays, 9:30 to 10:30 AM
Strite Auditorium
It’s not too late to join! Contact Kyle Remnant if you are interested in singing!
Duplicate Bridge
Thursdays, 12:30 to 4 PM
Park Gables Game Room
All are welcome to come play “relaxed retirement” Duplicate Bridge with friends and neighbors. Please contact Peggy Layman at 540-746-4999 with any questions.
Park Gables Resident Organization Meeting
Tuesday, September 9, 3:30 PM
Park Gables Game Room
Park Place Resident Organization Meeting
Thursday, September 11, 2 PM
Park Place Multipurpose Room
Park Village Council Meeting
Wednesday, September 17, 2 PM
Village Hall
(Sign up on K4, at the Wellness Center or call 540-574-3850.)
Trip to Shenandoah Caverns & American Celebration on Parade
Wednesday, September 3 Cost: $40
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PG at 9:35 AM PP at 9:45 AM Returning at 12:30 PM
Join us for a guided tour of the stunning Shenandoah Caverns, stroll down the nostalgic MainStreet of Yesteryear, and experience the magic of the American Celebration on Parade featuring real parade floats from national events. A boxed lunch is included. Wear comfy shoes, bring a jacket for the cool caverns and bring spending money for souvenirs if you wish.
Trip to Harmony Harvest Farm
Wednesday, September 10 Cost: $5
Departing: HH at 9:10 AM PG at 9:15 AM PP at 9:25 AM Returning at 12:30 PM
Discover the beauty and serenity of nearby Harmony Harvest Farm in Weyers Cave. Enjoy an engaging presentation about the farm’s history, how the flowers are grown and harvested, and fun facts about the featured varieties. Next we will dive into a hands-on floral arrangement workshop using freshly picked flowers. Come experience a local gem and leave with your own beautiful creation!
Trip to Hamrick’s in Roanoke, VA
Wednesday, September 17
Departing: HH at 8:45 AM PG at 8:50 AM PP at 9 AM Returning at 4 PM
Join us for a day out during Hamrick’s Semiannual Bus Week! We will head to Roanoke, about two hours south of VMRC, to enjoy a few hours of shopping, great deals, and lunch. It is a great opportunity to explore, relax, and enjoy a change of scenery. We will make a planned stop in both travel directions. Make sure to bring your spending money!
Trip to The Galley Diner
Friday, September 19
Departing: HH at 10:45 AM PG at 10:50 AM PP at 11 AM Returning by 1:30 PM
Enjoy a tasty lunch at The Galley Diner on Rout 11 in Harrisonburg, sharing great company and a delicious meal. Bring spending money for lunch on your own.
Trip to Monticello
Wednesday, September 24
Departing: HH at 9 AM PG at 9:05 AM PP at 9:15 AM Returning by 3 PM
Join us on a trip to the home of the third U.S. President and author of the Declaration of Independence. We will embark on the “Highlights Tour” offered by the museum, plus, we’ll meet one of the curators and have a chance for some Q&A. There will be time for lunch on your own at Monticello’s café before we head back to VMRC.
Weekly Grocery Trips
Walmart Tuesday, September 2
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PP at 9:35 AM Returning at 12 PM
Kroger Tuesday, September 9
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PP at 9:35 AM Returning at 11:30 AM
Martin’s Tuesday, September 16
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PP at 9:35 AM Returning at 12 PM
Harmony Square Food Lion Tuesday, September 23
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PP at 9:35 AM Returning at 11 AM
Kroger Tuesday, September 30
Departing: HH at 9:30 AM PP at 9:35 AM Returning at 11:30 AM
Blue Ridge Hearing at the Wellness Center Friday, September 5 from 1 PM to 3 PM
Call the Wellness Center at 540-574-3850 to schedule an appointment.
September 3 - The Princess Bride
September 10 - Fried Green Tomatoes
September 17 - Coco
September 24 - Selina
Additional Movie Showings on Saturday at 3 PM:
September 6 - The Princess Bride
September 13 - Fried Green Tomatoes
September 20 - Coco
September 27 Selina
NOTE: Held Wednesday Afternoons at 3 PM Unless Otherwise Noted
Sunday Worship from Strite Auditorium Every Sunday, 10 AM and 1:30 PM
Community Updates with Campus Leaders Wednesdays, September 10 and 24 at 1 PM and 4 PM
Wellness Center Closed for Labor Day
The Wellness Center will be closed on Monday, September 1 for the Labor Day holiday.
Oral Health Presented by Doctors Whiting and Balderas with Smiles for Life Friday, September 5, 2 PM Wellness Center Activity Studio
Do you miss eating some favorite foods due to missing teeth? Are you afraid of choking due to not being able to chew up your food? Do you experience pain and infection with broken and decayed teeth. Do you want to avoid ill-fitting, wobbly dentures? Drs. Dan Whiting and Geo Balderas come to educate you on how making certain changes can help with common oral health issues and improve quality of life.
Our Aging Hearts: Tips & Tricks to Maintain a Healthy Heart
Monday, September 29, 1 PM Wellness Center Activity Studio
Learn easy lifestyle changes, warning signs to watch for and everyday habits that support lifelong cardiovascular health. Presentation led by Fitness Assistant Ryann Bennett.
Beginning in October - Nutrition Counseling with Vanessa Heatwole, RDN
We have partnered with Vanessa Heatwole, a local Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, who will be available to provide on-campus nutrition counseling. With years of experience in clinical and outpatient settings, Vanessa takes a personalized, whole-person approach to support your health through balanced nutrition and lifestyle strategies. Reach out to the Wellness Center team to schedule an appointment or ask questions. Vanessa looks forward to supporting your journey toward better health and well-being!
Sunday Broadcast Schedule
9:30 AM Park View Mennonite Church Broadcast on Channel 704
10 AM Worship Service in Strite Auditorium Broadcast on Channel 702
12 PM Park View Mennonite Church Rebroadcast on Channel 704
1:30 PM VMRC Service Rebroadcast on Channel 702
All residents are invited to join us for morning worship at 10:00 am. in Strite Auditorium. Services are broadcasted on Channel 702 on Sundays and may also be viewed on K4 and on the internet at vimeo.com/vmrcbroadcast.
September 7
Sermon by Beryl Jantzi – Director of Stewardship Education with Everence Worship Leader – Carmen Miller
September 14
Sermon by Ed Bontrager – Park Place Resident Worship Leader – Steve Landis
September 21
Sermon by Nancy Heisey – Retired Professor at Eastern Mennonite Seminary Worship Leader – Steve Landis
September 28
Sermon by Bruce Johnson – Park Gables Resident Worship Leader – Carmen Miller
Special Music by Quartet from Harrisonburg Mennonite Church
Note: Offerings (cash or checks) to support pastoral care ministries can be sent by campus mail to the VMRC Foundation Office. Checks should be made payable to VMRC with “Sunday Worship” on the memo line.
Grief Support Group
Friday, September 12, 2 PM
Heritage Haven Conference Room
For residents who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Come for a time to share, support one another and know you’re not alone in your journey. Please contact Chaplain Steve Landis if you have questions, 540-437-4365.
Vespers Service - Tide Spring Band
Sunday, September 14, 3:30 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Enjoy the harmonies and inspiring songs of Tide Spring, a local bluegrass band.
Communion Service, Fellowship & Refreshments
Thursday, September 18, 2 PM
Strite Auditorium
Tuesday Evening Bible Study
First & Third Tuesdays, 7 PM
Park Place Multipurpose Room
All are welcome to attend. Led by pastors from local United Methodist churches.
September 2 VMRC staff member and pastor, Millard Sonifrank leads study. September 16 Tom Yoder, Missions Coach with Viginia Mennonite Missions leads. All VMRC residents are invited!
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
Every Wednesday, 7 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
All VMRC residents are welcome to join together for this service of worship and Bible study. The speakers for this month are as follows:
September 3 - Aldine Musser
September 10 - Aaron Gordon
Prayer Meeting
Every Wednesday, 7 PM
Park Place 2nd Floor “Hearth Room”
September 17 - Karen Brunk
September 24 - Josiah Fisher
All residents are welcome to join together for a time of sharing and prayer.
Main Street Café Hospitality Volunteers Seeking hospitality volunteers on Thursdays at the café from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. as well as volunteers willing to fill in on a substitute basis beginning in September. This volunteer position assists with basic hospitality tasks at the café such as helping deliver food to customers at their table, wiping down tables, refilling coffee, greeting customers, stocking supplies, supporting the café team, etc. A complimentary meal is provided to the volunteer before or after their shift. Training and supplies provided.
Ready to get involved as a volunteer? Please contact Volunteer Services by calling 540 564 3524 or emailing eshickel@vmrc.org.
Everence Educational Session: Health Plans for Seniors
Tuesday, September 16, 10 AM
Detwiler Auditorium
The VMRC Foundation invites you to join us. The team from Everence will provide helpful insights into health plans for seniors. Be on the lookout for additional details.
The VMRC Foundation is excited to share that a new walking trail, made possible by a generous anonymous gift, has been added to our campus! This beautiful addition will enhance our grounds by providing inviting green space, the installation of a Peace Pole and new opportunities for residents, staff and visitors to enjoy the outdoors and stay active. We’ll be celebrating the trail’s official open soon and more information on the date and time will be shared in the coming weeks. We can’t wait to welcome you to this new space.
Monday - Friday from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 4:30 p.m. (No Express Cart service available from 11:30 - 1:00) Call the Park Gables front desk at 540-564 3400 for a ride. As a reminder, the indoor Express Cart is operated by VMRC volunteers and provides FREE indoor point to point transportation from Crestwood to Park Place along Main Street. Riders need to be physically capable of getting on and off the cart independently.
Sharry Skillings, HH
Free shuttle service is available five days a week 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call the Park Gables front desk at 540-564 3400 for a ride. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the shuttle to arrive. Closed for lunch break 12:10 - 12:40 p.m.
J. Mark Brubaker, PV to CW Audrey Harold, HH to Rockingham, VA
Margaret Lehman
Carolyn Reed
Harold “Roger” Thomas
Additional details coming soon! Stay tuned!
Elder Exchange “The Interaction Between Faith and Science: Where We’ve Been and Where We Go from Here”
Thursday, October 9, 6:30 to 8 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
A Solo Evening of Music with Chris Thile at the JMU Forbes Center
Sunday, October 12 Cost: $54
Departing: 6 PM Returning: 9:15 PM
Resident/Staff Artwork Comes Down
Monday, October 13, 9 to 11 AM
Heritage Haven Link Area
Resident Association Council Meeting
Monday, October 13, 1 PM
Strite Auditorium and Livestream on Channel 702
Trip to the Frontier Culture Museum
Wednesday, October 15 Cost: $9
Departing: 9 AM Returning: 2:30 PM
Vespers Service - Concert by Heather Snow
Sunday, October 19, 3:30 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Resident/Staff Art Show Registration
Wednesday, October 22, 9 to 10 AM
Main Street Outside Park Gables Game Room
Friday, November 7 2 to 5 PM Saturday, November 8 10 AM to 3 PM
VMRC Main Street
Vendor Applications Are Available at All Front Desks and Are Due by Monday, October 6
There are limited spots so applications will be approved on a first come, first serve basis. Arts and crafts may include items such as woodworking, jewelry, various card designs, fabric items, florals, paintings, wreaths and plants. No food items.
Hilltop Reflections
Wednesday, October 22, 10:30 to 11:00 AM
Inspiration on VMRC’s Farm at Willow Run
Transportation provided from campus.
Arts with a Pulse: Drum Circle with Michael Deaton
Thursday, October 23, 10 AM
Strite Auditorium
Fall Foliage Trip to Shenandoah National Park
Monday, October 27, 9 AM to 3:30 PM Cost: $11 for Lunch
Tuesday, October 28, 2 PM
Detwiler Auditorium
Light refreshments will be served.
Culture and Belonging Conversation “My Life and Civic Engagement by Mayor Deanna Reed
“Building Meaningful Connections” by Dr. Natalie Kerr
Wednesday, October 29, 3 PM
Strite Auditorium
Trip to Showalter’s Orchard
Friday, October 31, 1 to 4 PM
Trip to Emi Ferguson and Ruckus Fly the Coop! at the JMU Forbes Center
Saturday, November 15 Cost: $44
Departing: 6:40 PM Returning: 9:55 PM
Trip to Braithwaite Studios / Make Your Own Suncatcher
Friday, November 21 Cost: $25
Departing: 9 AM Returning: 1 PM
Publication Information
Compiler: Heather Snow, Administrative Assistant (Life Enrichment/Wellness Center)
Editor: Kyle Remnant, Director of Arts and Enrichment
Editor’s Note: The purpose of this publication is to inform residents, staff, and community members of an array of events at the VMRC campus, as well as opportunities off campus for your enjoyment. The Editor retains editorial rights on content.
